How To Manage High Cholesterol With Good Nutrition

High cholesterol can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases, and may even result in death when not taken care of. There are many drugs that can help, but being able to manage high cholesterol with good nutrition is more favorable, as foods normally do not cause negative side effects.

There are many foods that have the same effect as prescription drugs, and therefore it only makes sense to use good nutrition as a means to manage and lower high cholesterol levels.

Eliminate Unhealthy Foods

High cholesterol usually occurs when too many unhealthy fats are consumed. Therefore eliminating unhealthy fats from the diet needs to be at the top of the list. Foods that are high in unhealthy fats include red meat as well as most other meats, high-fat dairy and dairy products, eggs, most baked goods such as cakes and pastries, fast foods, fried foods, as well as most chips and other junk foods.

Plant Sterols and Plant Stanols

Plant sterols and plant stanols are very similar to cholesterol, only they are more beneficial to the body. When they are present in the body, then the body will absorb them rather than the cholesterol. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that these are consumed in abundance, as the body cannot produce its own.

Plant sterols and stanols can be naturally obtained from foods such as legumes, nuts and seeds and fruits and vegetables.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Niacin is often prescribed to patients with high blood pressure. But it can also be obtained naturally with good nutrition, and without any side effects.

Some of the foods that contain niacin include almonds, cashews, pecans, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, beans, rice bran, wheat products, leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, peppers, turnips and carrots.

High Fiber Foods

High fiber foods are essential in helping to manage high cholesterol levels. Once in the digestive system, the fiber bonds with the cholesterol and removes it from the body.

In addition, high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables are low in calories, and thus they can help to lower triglycerides, which is essential when dealing with high cholesterol levels.

Foods high in fiber include apples, peaches, pears, apricots, oranges, plums, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, zucchini, corn and legumes.

Healthy Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids

Avocados, and nuts and seeds contain healthy omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which studies have shown help to reduce cholesterol levels. Fish oils as well as flax seed oils are also very beneficial in helping to lower cholesterol.

For more information on how to prevent disease and live a long and healthy life, visit livingfood101.com LivingFood101. You can also find me on hubpages.com/profile/LivingFood HubPages.